The Chicago Fire gave up a late goal but still earned a valuable point on the road in posting a 1-1 tie against FC Dallas in front of 15,059 at Pizza Hut Park and an ESPN2 PrimeTime Thursday audience. With a month left in the regular season, the Fire stand 8-10-7 overall (31 points), occupying the eighth and final playoff spot in Major League Soccer.
FC Dallas forward Carlos Ruiz tallied his team-leading sixth goal with a minute left in stoppage time to help the Hoops salvage a draw. Dallas (12-9-4, 40 points) finished with a 17-8 edge in total shots as Fire goalkeeper Matt Pickens logged six saves.
Playing his second straight game at midfield, Chris Rolfe gave Chicago an offensive spark in the 56th minute with a strike from 30 yards out the eluded the reach of goalkeeper Dario Sala. Rolfe's fifth goal of the year was his first since May 12 - he missed 11 games to injury - and moved him into a share of the team lead with Chad Barrett.
"We didn't play the best first half, but made a couple of adjustments which worked for us in the second half," said assistant coach Daryl Shore. "Obviously we're disappointed with the way the game ended."
Chicago will host D.C. United, which sports the best record in MLS, this Sunday at 2 p.m. at TOYOTA PARK (My50 Chicago).
Notes:
• Gonzalo Segares will miss Sunday's game due to yellow card accumulation
• Dallas clinched the Brimstone Cup for the sixth straight year by virtue of its 1-0-1 season series record.
• The Fire are winless in their nine games (0-8-1) at Dallas.
